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Introduction: This article outlines the processes used to meaningfully and authentically engage Australian Aboriginal communities in Northern New South Wales, Australia, to develop culturally appropriate stroke health resources. Methodology: Participatory action research using the research topic yarning framework is a collaborative, culturally safe way to uncover vital information and concepts. There were two stages in the participatory action research project: community engagement and evaluation of the processes involved in developing the localised, culturally appropriate health resources. Results: Establishing relationships built on trust, mutual sharing of knowledge, and bringing together the wider community, enabled the health message to be embedded within the community, ensuring the message was culturally appropriate and sustainable. Discussion : The stroke education resource is a tangible outcome and a major achievement; however, the process of authentic engagement to achieve the final product was the ultimate accomplishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities need to participate in the development of health education material to gain connection with and ownership of concepts. This review extracted and synthesized evidence to answer the question: what processes are used to develop health education resources for adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and what makes them effective? Design: A review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were searched (OvidSP Medline, CINAHL, Informit, OvidSP Embase and ProQuest) and 438 non duplicate records were screened. Findings: Twenty-two articles were identified; 18 reporting qualitative studies, two reporting mixed-method studies and two discussion papers. No quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Synthesis of the evidence revealed five themes: collaborative relationships, community ownership, lack of evaluation, cultural sensitivity, and health literacy. Discussions/Conclusions: Limitations identified include barriers due to distance, time, and funding, and a need for cultural competency in mainstream health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]